Editor,

In this time of extreme danger to our community from Covid-19, I feel it is irresponsible to be running all over Whidbey Island, from Oak Harbor to Langley, delivering candy and toys to 50 or more children. My wife just last week lost a dear friend from her Coupeville graduation class of 1967. Walmart and Walgreens have been identified as having employees test positive for Covid-19.

Where are the candy and toys being purchased in Oak Harbor? It is my understanding this virus can live for days on plastic and metal.

The governor has issued a “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” mandate, unless you have an essential job. I do not see that this “feel good” effort meets that criteria.

Secondly, we are all in this together, or should be. That means everybody, children included. We all need to accept our responsibility and sacrifice together for the safety of our community.

Our friend ventured out only one time and we have lost her. We all can argue our agenda and say we are doing the “legal” thing to justify our not so prudent acts. I believe it to be not illegal to dive headfirst from the top of my barn but I also believe it is not a wise thing to do.

I would hope that Ms. Starets-Foote would reconsider her endeavor but her e-mail to me indicates she is going forward with her plan.

Gaylord Porter,

Langley